news

Camberwell Residents Speak Out on Council's Heritage and Safety Decisions

Residents consider implications of council actions on heritage protection and local safety measures.

By Camberwell News Desk · Published 25 July 2026

How we reported this

This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. Melbourne Weather News is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

The City of Boroondara adopted Amendment C405boro on 19 May 2025, permanently applying a Heritage Overlay to the property Barrabool at 508-510 Burke Road, Camberwell, which was gazetted on 18 August 2025. This decision directly affects property owners and neighbours along Burke Road who have followed the process through council documentation.

Heritage Overlay and Property Protections

Community members near 508-510 Burke Road note that the permanent Heritage Overlay now provides lasting recognition for Barrabool. The overlay decision followed council consideration of the property's local significance. Residents in surrounding streets observe that such protections shape future development options in the immediate area.

Opposition to Draft Activity Centre Plan

Local Council opposed the Victorian state government's 2025 draft plan for Camberwell Junction Activity Centre, specifically rejecting an unconsulted 800m catchment area that would allow 6-storey buildings in heritage areas. Community members living within potential catchment zones have tracked this stance because it relates to building heights near established homes and streets. The Council adopted the Camberwell Junction Structure and Place Plan on 4 March 2024, which the state government's final Activity Centre Plan now aligns with for the activity centre core.

Reserve Road Temporary Closure

In December 2024, the Council temporarily closed a section of Reserve Road to ensure safe crossing for children between the two Camberwell Primary School campuses. Parents and guardians who use this route for school access describe the change as addressing a practical safety concern at the site. The closure remains tied to ongoing school operations on either side of the road.

These council decisions continue to be implemented through existing planning frameworks. Community members monitoring Burke Road, Camberwell Junction and Reserve Road can review updates via the City of Boroondara planning portal for any further steps on the adopted plans and overlays.